Karma Points: World Water Day, a Mad Hatter and peaceBOMBs

With so much going on in the world of charity, it’s hard to choose highlights for each week. But I’ve made it my priority to encourage the citizens of Denver to take charge and give back. Here are some helpful tips on how to earn your karma points for the week.

Fashionably Charitable
After the Vietnam War, parts of the country were not only left in shambles but with bombs waiting to detonate at any second. Especially in Laos, the most heavily bombed country per capita in history. Enter peaceBOMB bracelets, a section of Article 22, with a mission to clear the land of the 30% of bombs that were dropped but did not detonate while generating opportunities for local artisans and paying them more than four times the market rate.
While the mission has always been unique and unmatched, when I first came across PeaceBOMB bracelets there was one style of bangle—ordinary and silver. Now the selection has quadrupled into bangles, necklaces and warp bracelets that not only stylish and trendy, but unique in their mission.
So check out peaceBOMB and your bangles make more than a statement, they wills save lives.

Partying for a Cause
Fall into the rabbit hole at the Mad Hatter’s Ball on March 24 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. to benefit Dani’s Foundation. The night will raise funds for Dani’s Foundation and their efforts to End Pediatric Sarcoma (rare forms of cancer in children and young adults). With a Mad Hatter theme there will be a Queens Feast Cocktial Buffet, a White Rabbit Photo Booth, an annual Wonderland Silent Auction and—what us fashionistas are most excited for—the Fedora Fashion Show.
The Fedora Fashion Show will feature designers from Denver, Oklahoma and San Antonio, TX. There will be approximately about 20 hats made specifically for the ball being modeled by pediatric cancer patients. Patients will be escorted by Walter Davis, Denver Nugget Community Ambassador; members of the Denver Bronco Cheerleaders and members of the Glendale Raptor Rugby Team.
The ball takes place at Mile High Station, 2027 W. Colfax, in Denver. For tickets, which are $75 per person and $100 per couple, to the Mad Hatter’s Ball, call 303-601-1881 or email martha@danisfoundation.org. And for more information about Dani’s Foundation and how to help, visit danisfoundation.org.

Get Out, Get Up and Volunteer
Every year, March 22 marks World Water Day (sure it doesn’t get as much cred as Earth Day, but it’s pretty awesome). Incorporated by the United Nations in 1992, the international holiday advocates for the sustainability of the earth’s water sources. Each year circles around a theme—from “Water and Culture” to “Water in Cities”—and 2012 is focused on “Water and Food Security.”
There are many volunteer opportunities surrounding H2O, but my favorite (and perhaps one of the simplest) is to pledge to donate your birthday to Charity Water. Charity Water aims to bring clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. and by signing up to pledge your birthday gifts you can bring clean water to someone in need. So check it out and pledge here.
If you hear of any more volunteer opportunities or philanthropic events in and around the Denver area, tweet at @ashleymccredie or email 303charity@gmail.com.
Keep smiling, keep giving.